Undergraduate Degrees
BA Translation, Media and Spanish and Japanese ( QP9H )
- UCAS Course Code:
- QP9H
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- School of Study:
- Language and Communication Studies
- Brochure:
- School of Language and Communication Studies Undergraduate Brochure (PDF)
- Typical A-Level Offer:
- ABB
As well as taking Spanish (and Japanese from 2012 onwards) on this programme from post-A level, it is possible to start from beginners level in Spanish or Japanese or GCSE level in Spanish or Japanese. In these cases, more intensive language study is provided prior to the year abroad in year three. This more intensive study reduces slightly the number of optional modules available in year 1. If you study two languages to Honours level, only one of them can be studied from below A level.
This is a four-year degree programme designed for students who are particularly interested in developing expertise in key complementary disciplines in today's fast-changing world - translation and translation issues, and media in the broad sense - while extending and consolidating their proficiency in Spanish and Japanese language to Honours level with, optionally, a Subsidiary language for students taking one Honours language. The programme combines specialised study of the Honours language, including mediation skills (translation, interpreting), with non-language-competence modules in translation issues and media study, for example Translation Issues in the Media, Subtitling and Dubbing, Translation and Adaptation, Translation Theory and Practice, The Construction of News.
The translation competence modules deal with theoretical considerations, problems of translation and questions of style and register in specialised/technical areas such as commerce, ecology, technology and law as well as modern literature. Projects include annotated translation, text preparation and summary writing. An optional translation work experience module provides the opportunity to experience professional translation first-hand.
The translation issues modules deal with issues associated with globalisation and the rapid development of communication and communication media. Their concerns are both theoretical and practical, and work in each entails hands-on sensitisation to a range of questions confronting the world of translation today. A variety of types of translation types and materials are considered, to explore key aspects involved in the transposition and translation of (spoken and written) text into other media and/or other languages across different genres (e.g. texts and their translation(s), multilingual publications, multilingual packaging, web or IT-mediated texts, film subtitles and dubbed soundtracks, theatre productions).
The media modules, many of which are offered by other Schools in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (Political, Social and International Studies, Film and Television Studies, Literature and Creative Writing) provide the opportunity to approach media issues from different angles or points of view, and to tailor the programme more closely to individual interests and career aspirations.
Year One
In Year One, as subsequently, language modules make up the compulsory component of the programme. You then have scope to choose from a range of options which normally include: Study, Research and Communication Skills; Language, Culture and Interpersonal Communication; Media Culture, Media Power; Interrogating Culture; and Discourse and Power.
Year Two
Core honours language study makes up at least one third of your study for the remaining two years spent at UEA, more if you are studying two languages to Honours level. In Year Two, you also have the compulsory module Translation Issues in the Media. For your remaining study, you choose two modules from a wide range of options which normally include a translation/intercultural communication strand – Translation and Adaptation, Subtitling and Dubbing, Translation Work Experience or Intercultural Communication in Practice, for example; a cultural strand and a media strand – The Construction of News, Cultural Theory and Analysis, Publishing, and The Economics of Film and TV, The Media and Identity World Cinemas. There is also one module of free choice.
The Year Abroad
Year Three is spent in a country where your Honours language is spoken. For further information, please click on the Study Abroad tab above.
Final Year
In your Final Year, alongside your core Honours language study, you take a further Translation module and choose from modules such as Interpreting, Translation Theory and Practice, Subtitling and Dubbing, Politics and Popular Culture, World Cinemas, Translation Work Experience, Intercultural Communication in Practice, Multiculturalism, Analysing Media Discourse, Publishing, and Language and Society..
Your choice of options is made in consultation with your Adviser, who will ensure that it not only reflects your interests, but that it is also academically coherent.
Honours Language Work
In each year, you have on average 8 contact-hours per week in your Honours language (more if you study Spanish or Japanese from beginners level). The Honours language teaching is closely related to the study of contemporary society in the country (or countries) where your Honours language is spoken and your experience of learning language at UEA will include a combination of lectures, seminars and conversation classes. It will cover grammar, translation from and into Spanish or Japanese, reading and listening comprehension, précis and paraphrase work, the study of different styles and registers, lexical exercises and oral work. You will also spend a significant proportion of time working independently using subject-oriented teaching dossiers, radio, TV, films, transcripts, newspapers and online resources while keeping abreast of current affairs and cultural life at home and abroad. Our Language Centre has a digital language laboratory, a viewing and editing room, an interpreting suite for advanced language training, live satellite television broadcasts, a large, multi-media self-access resources room with a wide range of DVDs and reference books, up-to-date computers linked to the internet, and translation software.
You will acquire specific expertise in the traditional language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as transferable skills such as time management, self-discipline and self-motivation, intercultural awareness, flexibility and resourcefulness, mediation skills, IT literacy and teamwork.
Dr. Marie-Noelle Guillot
The School of Language and Communication Studies is a small, lively School where we offer flexible undergraduate degree programmes with an emphasis on language competence and on issues relating to contemporary language and translation. Our graduates are highly employable and enter an extremely wide range of professions using their well-developed language and communication skills, and intercultural sensitivity.
Our MA graduates are equally successful professionally. Courses at this level enable flexible planning in the combination of core and optional modules and in the range of possible dissertation topics, while the Faculty of Arts and Humanities provides a rich interdisciplinary environment designed to encourage dialogue and the cross-fertilisation of ideas.
New for 2012-13
We’re always working to build on our strengths here in LCS, improving your student experience – and your prospects. Here are some new Key Features for 2012-13 that you won’t yet find in our brochure:
- Smaller groups in language classes – as few as 10 – mean even better quality learning.
- New high-spec professional interpreter training facilities – helping to keep you ahead of the game.
- Employability boost – extra timetabled sessions to develop your skills and employability profile for a range of professions using language skills right from the start of your degree course.
Find out what our undergraduate students say or check out our Facebook page for 2013 applicants where you can ask our current students questions about studying and living here:
www.facebook.com/groups/UEALCSapps2013
UniStats Information
Compulsory Study (60 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 60 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES | LCS-1E05 | 20 |
| POST A-LEVEL SPANISH 1/I | LCSU1H21 | 20 |
| POST A-LEVEL SPANISH 1/II | LCSU1H22 | 20 |
Option A Study (60 credits)
Students will select 60 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AN INTRODUCTION TO POPULAR CULTURE IN LATIN AMERICA | LCS-1H34 | 20 |
| DISCOURSE AND POWER | LCS-1L20 | 20 |
| FILM, TELEVISION AND NEW MEDIA | FTMF1F16 | 20 |
| INTERROGATING CULTURE | FTMF1F12 | 20 |
| JAPANESE AB-INITIO HONOURS I | LCS-1J5Y | 60 |
| JAPANESE POST-GCSE I | LCS-1J7Y | 40 |
| LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION | LCS-1L22 | 20 |
| MEDIA, SOCIETY AND POWER | PSI-1A09 | 20 |
Option A Study (60 credits)
Students will select 60 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POST A LEVEL SPANISH LANGUAGE 2/I | LCSU2H21 | 20 |
| POST A LEVEL SPANISH LANGUAGE 2/II | LCSU2H22 | 20 |
| TRANSLATION ISSUES IN THE MEDIA (LEVEL 2) | LCS-2T06 | 20 |
Option B Study (40 credits)
Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JAPANESE AB INITIO HONOURS II | LCS-2J6Y | 40 |
| JAPANESE POST GCSE II | LCS-2J7Y | 40 |
Option C Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AN INTRODUCTION TO LATIN AMERICAN FILM | LCS-2H57 | 20 |
| CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE CULTURE AND SOCIETY FROM NORTH TO SOUTH | LCS-2J03 | 20 |
| CULTURAL THEORY AND ANALYSIS | LDCE2X17 | 20 |
| DISCOURSE AND SOCIETY (LEVEL 2) | LCS-2L91 | 20 |
| INTRODUCTION TO THE EUROPEAN UNION | PSI-2A05 | 20 |
| LANGUAGE IN ACTION (LEVEL 2) | LCS-2L71 | 20 |
| PUBLISHING (AUT) | LDCE2X05 | 20 |
| SUBTITLING AND DUBBING (LEVEL 2) | LCS-2T11 | 20 |
| THE WRITING OF JOURNALISM (AUT) | LDCC2W27 | 20 |
| TRANSLATION WORK EXPERIENCE (LEVEL 2) | LCS-2T13 | 20 |
Compulsory Study (120 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| YEAR ABROAD | LCS-2X0Y | 120 |
Option A Study (100 credits)
Students will select 100 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JAPANESE HONOURS LANGUAGE 3/1 - READINGS ON MODERN JAPAN | LCS-3J11 | 20 |
| JAPANESE HONOURS LANGUAGE 3/11 | LCS-3J12 | 20 |
| TRANSLATION STUDIES IN JAPAN | LCS-3J02 | 20 |
Option B Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ADVANCED TRANSLATION (FRENCH TO ENGLISH) | LCS-3T47 | 20 |
| DISCOURSE AND SOCIETY (LEVEL 3) | LCS-3L47 | 20 |
| DISSERTATION IN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE (AUTUMN) | LCS-3C05 | 20 |
| INTRODUCTION TO CONFERENCE INTERPRETING | LCS-3T51 | 20 |
| JAPANESE FILM ADAPTATION: LITERATURE, MANGA AND NOVELIZATION | LCS-3J01 | 20 |
| LANGUAGE IN ACTION (LEVEL 3) | LCS-3L45 | 20 |
| SUBTITLING AND DUBBING (LEVEL 3) | LCS-3T17 | 20 |
| TRANSLATION THEORY AND PRACTICE | LCS-3T07 | 20 |
| TRANSLATION WORK EXPERIENCE (LEVEL 3) | LCS-3T15 | 20 |
Disclaimer
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Year Abroad
You spend a year abroad in your third year on all our four-year language degrees or alternatively a semester abroad in the second year on our three-year fast-track degrees. The year/semester abroad is a fantastic chance for a student to explore one or more countries where your Honours language(s) are spoken and the opportunities they offer, while at the same time having the support of the School’s staff.
You either take up a teaching assistantship, a work placement, voluntary work or attend a foreign university, usually on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange in France or Spain. Students on the Erasmus scheme receive a small grant from the EU which funds the scheme, and students teaching or working also receive the Erasmus grant in addition to their salary. Students going to Japan will attend university.
If you are taking two languages from A level, you will normally split the year between two countries where those languages are spoken.
The main option available to you is attending a university, normally as part of an exchange programme, one semester in each country. Students of French can, for instance, attend the prestigious Ecole de Traduction et d'Interprétation in Geneva. We have Erasmus exchange schemes and well-established links with a range of universities in France and Spain: (France) Clermont Ferrand, Corsica, Montpellier III, Nancy II, Nice, Paris, and Tours; (Spain) Alicante, Alcalá de Henares, Castilla La Mancha, Madrid (Antonio de Nebrija, Autónoma and Complutense), Granada, Salamanca, Toledo and Zaragoza, as well as the Universidad de Guadalajara and the Universidad de las Américas in Mexico. We are currently establishing our year abroad university partners for the first cohort of students who will go to Japan in 2013-14.
If you are taking two languages from A level it is also possible to take up a work placement in France or Spain in combination with a university place if a short enough work placement can be found. The final option of working as a language assistant is not open to you because you will need to split your year abroad and contracts for assistants are for more than six months.
If you are taking one of French, Spanish or Japanese from below A level, you will normally spend your year in a country where the weaker language is spoken and the summer in a country where your stronger language is spoken. If you are taking French, Spanish or Japanese from below A level in combination with another Honours language, you will spend the year abroad in the country of the weaker language and, for France and Spain, follow courses in the stronger language. It is recommended that such students spend the summer before the final year in the country of their stronger language.
If you are a highly proficient native or near-native speaker of French or Spanish, then you are normally exempted from the compulsory year abroad for that language and spend your first year studying a completely different language from our wide range of subsidiary languages. In your following two years your compulsory language strand consists of final year level modules in your native language. If you are studying two languages to Honours level and one of these is your native language, then you will spend a year abroad in a country where your non-native language is spoken.
Entry Requirements
- A Level:
- ABB
- International Baccalaureate:
- 32
- Scottish Advanced Highers:
- ABB
- Irish Leaving Certificate:
- AABBBB
- Access Course:
- Please contact the University for further information.
- HND:
- Please contact the University for further information.
- European Baccalaureate:
- 75%
Students for whom English is a Foreign language
We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
- TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 18 in the Listening and Writing components; 19 in the Reading component; and 21 in the Speaking component)
- PTE: 62 overall with minimum 55 in all components
If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
Interviews
The School does not currently interview all applicants for undergraduate entry as standard, however we do offer the opportunity to meet with an academic individually on a Visit Day in order to gain a deeper insight into the course(s) you have applied for.
Gap Year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.
Deferred Entry
We also welcome applications for deferred entry, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.
Special Entry Requirements
It is generally expected that you should have at least a Grade B at A Level, or its equivalent, in the language or languages that you intend to take at honours level.
In the case of Spanish or Japanese studied from Beginners' or Spanish, French or Japanese from post-GCSE level, we require evidence of foreign language learning ability, such as a good grade in a foreign language at GCSE.
Intakes
The School's annual intake is in September of each year.
Alternative Qualifications
If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact the University directly for further information.
GCSE Offer
Students are required to have Mathematics and English at Grade C or above at GCSE level.
Assessment
For the majority of candidates the most important factors in assessing the application will be past and future achievement in examinations, academic interest in the subject being applied for, personal interest and extra-curricular activities and the confidential reference. We consider applicants as individuals and accept students from a very wide range of educational backgrounds and spend time considering your application in order to reach an informed decision relating your application. Typical offers are indicated above. Please note, there may be additional subject entry requirements specific to individual degree courses.
Fees and Funding
University Fees and Financial Support: UK/EU Students
Further information on fees and funding for 2012 can be found here
University Fees and Financial Support: International Students
The University will be charging International students £11,700.00 for all full time School of Language and Communication Studies undergraduate programmes which start in 2012.
Please click to access further information about fees and funding for International students.
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.
Further Information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:
Undergraduate Admissions Office (Language and Communication Studies)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
Please click here to register your details online via our Online Enquiry Form.
International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.


